The Reality of the Fayetteville to Dunn Widening Project
To accommodate the expansion, engineers have implemented narrow-lane configurations with temporary concrete barriers running alongside active lanes. The narrow lane configurations leave little room to maneuver, and barriers on both sides limit a driver’s ability to correct course when avoiding debris or a sudden lane change. When a vehicle makes contact with a barrier at highway speeds, the force can send it across multiple lanes into oncoming traffic.
Lane dividers and pavement markings on this stretch change as construction progresses, sometimes overnight. Drivers who travel this corridor regularly can still encounter configurations they have not seen before. Knowing that conditions can shift without much notice is part of driving safely on this stretch.
Understanding Car Accident Statistics on I-95
Construction zones on I-95 between Fayetteville and Dunn see elevated crash activity during two windows: morning rush hour, when congestion peaks, and late-night hours, when active construction and lane closures are most frequent.
Heavy commercial vehicles are a consistent factor in this corridor. Narrow lanes reduce the buffer between passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers, and when traffic backs up suddenly, the stopping distance required for a loaded truck is significantly greater than for a passenger car. Rear-end collisions are among the most frequently reported crash types in this zone, often triggered by unexpected backups from construction equipment or lane merges in areas with limited visibility.
Common Types of Accidents in the Construction Zone
The lane configurations and traffic patterns on this stretch of I-95 contribute to several distinct collision types.
Rear-end collisions. Traffic on this corridor can slow or stop quickly in areas where construction equipment or lane merges create unexpected backups. When visibility is limited by curves or temporary structures, drivers may not have enough time to stop.
Sideswipe collisions. Narrow lanes reduce the clearance between vehicles and between vehicles and concrete barriers. A minor correction or drift can bring a vehicle into contact with an adjacent car or the barrier itself.
Wrong-way and Head-on collisions. Temporary lane shifts and overnight reconfigurations can create confusion about which lanes are open and which direction traffic is flowing. Drivers who misread the markings may enter a lane designated for opposing traffic.
A Proven Track Record in Highway Litigation
In one recent case, Riddle & Riddle represented a family of four killed when a pavement marking operation on a North Carolina highway caused an unexpected traffic backup. A tanker truck struck the family’s pickup truck from behind. The investigation revealed that multiple parties shared responsibility for the crash.
Case Overview and Key Outcomes
- Initial Settlement ($5.45M): Recovered from two trucking companies, representing the full limits of their insurance policies
- Additional Settlement ($4M): Secured against the pavement marking company on the eve of trial after an investigation confirmed their operations triggered the backup
- Total Recovery: $9,450,000
Highway accident cases often involve more than one liable party. Identifying every contributing factor (the driver, the trucking company, the construction or maintenance crews) requires a thorough investigation from the start. Riddle & Riddle has recovered over $900 million for clients since 2000, including cases where liability extended well beyond the initial crash.
Navigating Legal Complexity: Steps to Take After an I-95 Accident
Accidents on I-95, particularly within the Fayetteville to Dunn construction corridor, are rarely “simple” insurance claims. Because these zones involve high speeds, heavy commercial traffic, and active work sites, determining who is at fault often requires peeling back multiple layers of liability.
Why I-95 Cases are Legally Complex
Unlike a standard fender-bender on a local street, a highway construction crash often involves a web of liable parties. A single collision might result from a chain reaction triggered by factors invisible to the average driver. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:
- Commercial Trucking Entities: If a tractor-trailer is involved, both the driver and the parent trucking company may be liable for federal safety violations or improper maintenance.
- Construction Contractors: If improper lane markings, inadequate signage, or poorly placed barriers contributed to the crash, the private firms managing the widening project can be held accountable.
- Government Agencies: In specific instances, the design of the work zone itself may be called into question.
- Maintenance Crews: Companies responsible for clearing debris or maintaining temporary lighting may share fault if their negligence created a hazard.
Contact Us Today
If you were injured in an accident on I-95 or anywhere in North Carolina, Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options. Our attorneys have handled complex highway accident cases, including those involving car accidents with multiple liable parties, across the state.
When you contact us, you are not just getting a legal representative; you are gaining a partner dedicated to your recovery. We are proud to serve our community from various locations across the state, ensuring that help is always within reach. You can learn more about us and our history of serving North Carolinians on our website.
Justice Counts™. Call (800) 525-7111 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case.
